Attention screen reader users: This site contains popup modal windows.
The places where these popups occur will be identified for screen reader users. To access a popup window arrow
to the link and hit enter. This will open the window and the information will be found immediately following
the popup links or at the bottom of the page. If the information is at the bottom of the page type control+end
to get to the bottom of the page then arrow up to get to the information.

Parents play an important role in their child's decision about joining the military. As with
any career choice, students need to understand what the commitment means and how it will
affect their long-term options.

Re-entering the civilian world can be a huge adjustment for military personnel. The longer
you are in the armed forces, the more challenging it may be. But with the right attitude,
and a little help, it can be very rewarding to apply the skills you learned in the military
to a civilian career.

The military is a reflection of America, and is just as diverse. Unlike in the civilian world,
service members have to work together as a team, regardless of their cultural background,
religious beliefs, or gender.

Military

Overview

The purpose of the military is to protect our country, our interests, and our allies.
The oaths of enlisted and commissioned service members state the military's
highest mission: to defend the Constitution of the United States from all enemies.

Nearly half of all military jobs are combat positions, such as infantry. When not
engaged in conflict, combat personnel spend their time learning to operate and
maintain military equipment. They also practice combat skills. Personnel in
non-combat positions provide management, supplies, and services.

There are five active services. Some of these also have Guard and Reserve
components. The Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force are under the Department
of Defense. The Coast Guard is under the Department of Homeland Security, but
can be called to serve under the Navy during wartime. To learn more, check out
Branches of Service.

Here are a few more quick facts:

The President is the Commander in Chief, and holds the final power in all
military decisions.

Reserve and National Guard units have more service members than all the
active services combined, and help active forces during war.

The Army, Navy, and Air Force each employ more people than most of our
country's largest businesses.

The Department of Defense is the largest employer in our country, with over
3 million military and civilian employees.

The military maintains bases across the U.S. and around the world and has
naval fleets in every ocean.

Army

Army

The Army is the largest land-based force of the U.S. military. Its
mission is to protect U.S. interests at home and around the world.
The Army focuses on helping our allies with training and equipment.
It also stands ready to defend our allies from bases across the globe.

With a strong emphasis on the strength of individual soldiers—mentally,
physically, and emotionally—the Army provides numerous training
opportunities. Jobs in the Army range from administration to combat
to maintenance. Most jobs have a similar civilian equivalent.

The Army uses a variety of weapons and resources, but every soldier
is trained for combat, regardless of specialty. Every soldier must
be physically fit and be able to fire the M-16 rifle.

Like all branches of the military, the Army reflects our nation's
diversity. Soldiers have the same opportunities. Most jobs are open
to women, except a few combat positions. Non-citizens have various
options depending on their immigrant status.

Check out Military Life to learn more about the Army and Joining the Military to
learn about the recruiting process.

Army Reserve

Army Reserve units are on call to help in times of natural disaster,
emergency, or war. They may serve with active duty forces or
separately, but only as service and support. There are no Army
Reserve combat units.

Army Reserve soldiers go through the same training as active duty
soldiers. After they finish, they continue to train for one weekend
per month and two weeks in the summer to keep their skills sharp.
They are free to attend school and pursue a civilian career while
still serving in the Reserve. Federal law guarantees that Reservists
can return to their civilian jobs after a deployment or training.

Some enlistment contracts allow soldiers to serve for two years or
more on active duty, and then transfer into the Inactive Ready
Reserve (IRR). IRR soldiers can still be called up in times of war
or national emergency, but do not have to continue to train.

Army National Guard

Each state and territory in the U.S. maintains a National Guard.
Their main mission is to provide security and emergency relief. The
state governor is the commander in chief of these forces, but the
Guard also stands ready to be called to active service with the Army.
The National Guard has both combat and support units.

Like the Army Reserve, Guard soldiers go through the same training
as active duty soldiers. After they finish, they continue to train
for one weekend per month and two weeks in the summer to keep their
skills sharp. They are free to attend school and pursue a civilian
career while still serving in the National Guard.

Federal law guarantees that Guardsmen can return to their civilian
jobs after a deployment or training. They may also be eligible to
transfer into the IRR before their service is complete.

Navy

Navy

The U.S. Navy is the largest maritime force in the world. Its mission
is to protect the freedom of the world's oceans for trade and travel.
The Navy maintains a combat-ready fleet of ships, submarines, and
aircraft to defend the U.S. and its allies in every ocean around the globe.

Honor, courage, and commitment are the core values of sailors in the
Navy. With over 100 bases and ports-of-call, sailors get to
experience the world firsthand, and are often at sea for months at
a time. Jobs in the Navy range from administration to combat to
maintenance. Most jobs have a similar civilian equivalent.

Every sailor is trained on the basics of seamanship: navigation,
first aid, ship damage control, teamwork, and weaponry. Sailors may
also serve on land. The Navy maintains ports and inland bases around
the world. They provide medics for the Marine Corps, and Navy SEALS
often fight on land.

The Marine Corps and Coast Guard are under the command of the Navy,
although they are separate branches of the military.

Like all branches of the military, the Navy reflects our nation's
diversity. All sailors have the same opportunities. All jobs are
open to women except a few combat positions. Non-citizens have
various options depending on their immigrant status.

Check out Military Life to learn more about the Navy and Joining the
Military to learn about the recruiting process.

Navy Reserve

Navy Reserve units are on call to help in times of natural disaster,
emergency, or war. They may serve with active duty forces or
separately. There are Navy Reserve combat units, but most are service and support.

Navy Reserve sailors go through the same training as active duty
sailors. After they finish, they continue to train for one weekend
per month and two weeks in the summer to keep their skills sharp.
They are free to attend school and pursue a civilian career while
still serving in the Reserve. Federal law guarantees that Reservists
can return to their civilian jobs after a deployment or training.

Some enlistment contracts allow sailors to serve for two years or
more on active duty, and then transfer into the Inactive Ready
Reserve (IRR). IRR sailors can still be called up in times of war
or national emergency, but do not have to continue to train.

Air Force

Air Force

The Air Force defends the U.S. and its allies in air, space, and
cyberspace. It focuses on developing airmen, applying technology,
and supporting the other military services.

The Air Force doesn't just fly jets. It uses a wide range of aircraft
in support of missions around the world, including cargo planes and
unmanned aerial vehicles. It also operates satellites and other
advanced technologies, and provides support on the ground for other
branches of the military.

With a strong emphasis on education, the Air Force provides numerous
training opportunities, especially in technology. Airmen are
automatically enrolled in the Community College of the Air Force.
Nearly all jobs in the Air Force have a civilian equivalent.

Like all branches of the military, the Air Force reflects our nation's
diversity. Airmen have the same opportunities. Nearly all jobs are
open to women. Non-citizens have various options depending on their
immigrant status.

Check out Military Life to learn more about the Air Force and Joining
the Military to learn about the recruiting process.

Air Force Reserve

Air Force Reserve units are on call to help in times of natural
disaster, emergency, or war. They may serve with active duty forces
or separately. There are Air Force Reserve combat units, but most
are service and support.

Air Force Reserve airmen go through the same training as active duty
airmen. After they finish, they continue to train for one weekend
per month and two weeks in the summer to keep their skills sharp.
They are free to attend school and pursue a civilian career while
still serving in the Reserve. Federal law guarantees that Reservists
can return to their civilian jobs after a deployment or training.

Some enlistment contracts allow airmen to serve for two years or more
on active duty, and then transfer into the Inactive Ready Reserve
(IRR). IRR airmen can still be called up in times of war or national
emergency, but do not have to continue to train.

Air National Guard

Each state and territory in the U.S. maintains a National Guard to
provide security and emergency relief. The state governor is the
commander in chief of these forces, but the Guard also stands ready
to be called to active service with the Air Force. The National
Guard has both combat and support units.

Like the Air Force Reserve, Guard airmen go through the same training
as active duty airmen. After they finish, they continue to train for
one weekend per month and two weeks in the summer to keep their
skills sharp. They are free to attend school and pursue a civilian
career while still serving in the Guard.

Federal law guarantees that Guardsmen can return to their civilian
jobs after a deployment or training. They may also be eligible to
transfer into the IRR before their service is complete.

Marine Corps

Marine Corps

The Marine Corps is the rapid deployment force of the U.S. military.
It maintains ready-to-go supply depots on U.S. Navy ships around the
world, and is often the first force to be sent into conflicts. It is
the smallest ground combat force of the U.S. military, but Marines
are renowned as fierce warriors. Its mission is to protect the U.S.
and its interests at home and around the world.

The Marine Corps emphasizes high ethical and moral standards. Honor,
courage, and commitment are emphasized at all levels of training.
Most jobs in the Corps are combat-related because the Navy provides
logistical support and medics. They are also the main amphibious
force of the military.

All Marines undergo the same intense combat training, and learn
several different weapons systems. Every Marine has to qualify
with the M-16 rifle, and be mentally and physically prepared for combat.

Like all branches of the military, the Marine Corps reflects our
nation's diversity. Marines have the same opportunities. Most jobs
are open to women except a few combat positions. Non-citizens have
various options depending on their immigrant status.

Check out Military Life to learn more about the Marine Corps and
Joining the Military to learn about the recruiting process.

Marine Corps Reserve

Marine Corps Reserve units are on call to help in times of natural
disaster, emergency, or war. They may serve with active duty forces
or separately. There are Marine Reserve combat units, but most are
service and support.

Reserve Marines go through the same training as active duty Marines.
After they finish, they continue to train for one weekend per month
and two weeks in the summer to keep their skills sharp. They are
free to attend school and pursue a civilian career while still
serving in the Reserve. Federal law guarantees that Reservists can
return to their civilian jobs after a deployment or training.

Some enlistment contracts allow Marines to serve for two years or
more on active duty, and then transfer into the Inactive Ready
Reserve (IRR). IRR Marines can still be called up in times of war or
national emergency, but do not have to continue to train.

Coast Guard

Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard operates along our nation's coastlines, inland
waterways, and anywhere else U.S. interests may be at risk. The
Coast Guard's mission includes disaster and emergency response,
enforcement of federal laws, national defense, and protection of
natural resources.

The Coast Guard is officially a part of the Department of Homeland
Security, but units also serve under the Navy during times of war.
The Coast Guard combines civilian law enforcement, military roles,
and humanitarian missions in a unique way.

The Coast Guard is the smallest of the armed services and highly
selective as a result. Jobs in the Coast Guard range from
administration to combat to maintenance. Most jobs have a similar
civilian equivalent.

Every Guardian is trained on the basics of seamanship: navigation,
first aid, ship damage control, teamwork, and weaponry. You must
become a competent swimmer to pass basic training in the Coast Guard.

Like all branches of the military, the Coast Guard reflects our
nation's diversity. Guardians have the same opportunities. All jobs
are open to women, including all combat positions. Non-citizens have
various options depending on their immigrant status.

Check out Military Life to learn more about the Coast Guard and
Joining the Military to learn about the recruiting process.

Coast Guard Reserve

Coast Guard Reserve units are on call to help in times of natural
disaster, emergency, or war. They may serve with active duty forces
or separately. All Coast Guard jobs have a Reserve equivalent,
including law enforcement positions.

Coast Guard Reserve sailors go through the same training as active
duty Guardians. After they finish, they continue to train for one
weekend per month and two weeks in the summer to keep their skills
sharp. They are free to attend school and pursue a civilian career
while still serving in the Reserve. Federal law guarantees that
Reservists can return to their civilian jobs after a deployment or
training.

Some enlistment contracts allow sailors to serve for two years or
more on active duty, and then transfer into the Inactive Ready
Reserve (IRR). IRR sailors can still be called up in times of war
or national emergency, but do not have to continue to train.

Enlisted Personnel

Overview

Enlisted personnel are the main workforce of the military. They work
in office, mechanical, transportation, and combat positions. They
include service members in pay grades E-1 through E-9. Most service
members are in grades E-3, E-4, and E-5.

You will be promoted on a regular basis if you meet the requirements
to advance. In higher grades, promotions are more competitive and
may require additional training to take on greater responsibility.
Promotions are not automatic in the military. You must earn them.

Grades E-5 and above are noncommissioned officers (NCOs). They are
still enlisted, but have greater responsibility for the welfare and
tasks of the men and women under their leadership. NCOs are often
called the “backbone” of the military for their proficiency and
leadership abilities.

First enlistment contracts last 8 years. You may serve on active duty
for 2 to 4 years, and then in the Reserves for the remainder of your
contract. About 38% of enlistees choose to remain in the military
until retirement.

The military will teach you everything you need to know to do your
job after you enlist. But you must earn a high school diploma first.
A GED may be accepted for certain jobs. To learn what else it takes
to enlist, check out Joining the Military. To learn more about how
much enlisted service members earn, visit Wages.

Rank / Pay Graph

Number of Active Duty Enlisted Service Members by Rank

Source: Uniformed Services Almanac, 2010

Commissioned Officers

Overview

Officers manage and lead the armed services. They may lead infantry
units into battle, command ships, fly aircraft, or even command
their entire branch of service at the highest level. Officers also
serve in specialized positions such as doctors, lawyers, and chaplains.

Pay grades start at O-1 and go up to O-10. Each grade comes with
greater responsibility. All services look for strong leaders to fill
officer positions. In most services, a selection board evaluates
officers and selects the best for promotion. In the Coast Guard,
officers who aren't promoted during their first three years are
released from service. As you can imagine, promotion for officers is
very competitive!

There are several ways to be commissioned as an officer in the
military, but all require at least a 4-year college degree. Some
officers attend special service academies to earn a degree and a
commission. Most officers attend special training programs during or
after college. It is possible to become an officer after enlisting,
but you still have to earn a college degree.

Medical professionals, ordained religious leaders, and technicians
can become officers without attending extensive military training
first. Ordained religious officers are called chaplains, and those
with technical expertise are warrant officers (WO).

To learn how to become an officer, check out Commission. To learn
more about how much officers earn, visit Wages.

Job Training

Description

Many military occupations require skills that transfer to civilian
occupations.

Overview

Job Training

After basic training, enlistees receive technical or advanced
training. This training prepares you for your job in the military.
Many military occupations require skills that transfer to civilian
occupations. Each branch has its own training programs. The type of
job specialty you choose will determine what you learn.

If you want military training for a later civilian career, choose
your program accordingly. Also keep in mind that the military can
change your job at any time to fill needed positions. You can browse
military occupations in the Clusters Index or Titles Index. You can
also Search for occupations. Click on the "Civilian counterparts"
topic in an occupation to find out what jobs the military occupation
is similar to.

Civilian Credentials & Licenses

The military has more training programs than any one person could
possibly take advantage of. Some focus on your career in the
military, while others are designed to help you succeed once your
service is complete.

There are technical courses, programs to help you finish a college
degree (even while deployed), and certification programs. They may
be based at local colleges and universities or online. To learn more
about earning civilian certification
in the military, visit:

Apprenticeships

The Army, Navy, and Marine Corps offer apprenticeship programs for
certain jobs. After completing classroom and on-the-job training,
you receive a certificate from the U.S. Department of Labor. The
certificate shows civilian employers your level of skill and
competency.

To find out what Army specialties you can apprentice in, ask a
recruiter for details.

Active Duty Enlisted Personnel by Occupational Cluster

The military has many jobs besides combat occupations. Most military
jobs are included in the clusters below. You can explore military
occupations by clicking on the Clusters Index tab in the main window.

Before Your Service

Description

Commit to serve after you complete your degree, and you can apply to
a military academy or you can receive money to pay for your education.

Overview

The military needs intelligent, well-educated people to lead and
manage its operations. If you make a commitment to serve after you
complete college, the military will pay part or all of your college
expenses. You will also enter the military as an officer.

Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC)

This program offers 2-, 3-, and 4-year scholarships based on your
merit and grades. ROTC programs offer military officer training at
many colleges. Once you complete your degree, you are commissioned
as an officer. Most commitments last 8 years: 4 years on active
duty, and 4 years in the Reserves. The Coast Guard does not have an
ROTC program.

Pays part or all of the cost of tuition and books depending on
the branch of service.

Pays a stipend during the school year depending on enrollment
terms.

Available to all majors, but engineering, nursing, or science
students may be preferred.

Select cadets can serve part time in the Reserves or National
Guard while attending college.

Service Academies

Undergraduate military colleges provide a college education in return
for 5 years of active service after graduation. Graduates earn a
bachelor's degree and are commissioned as officers. If an academy
is your goal, buckle down now—competition for admission is intense.

Future doctor? The Uniformed Services University of the Health
Sciences (USUHS) offers training in exchange for 7 years of active
duty and a 6-year Reserve commitment. There are other ways to become
a medical professional in the military, but few pay all training
costs like USUHS.

A strong commercial shipping industry is key to the success of the
U.S. military around the world. The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
trains civilian ship captains as well as active duty and reserve
military officers.

Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP)

The Army, Air Force, and Navy offer this scholarship to students
already enrolled in accredited medical, nurse practitioner, dental,
veterinary, psychology, or optometry programs.

Pays for all tuition, books, and equipment, and includes a stipend.

Graduates must serve as officers on active duty for the same
number of years they received the scholarship.

Doctors must serve at least two years, other graduates at
least three.

Contact a recruiter to learn more.

Student Loan Repayment Program (LRP)

Pays up to $65,000 on the principal of qualifying student loans, but
you have to pay any interest. You can't participate in both the GI
Bill and the LRP. You must enlist for at least three years in a
specific job to qualify.

During Your Service

Description

Earn college credits online, pay for college classes, and earn money
for tuition while on active duty.

Overview

There are many ways to earn college credits while serving in the military.
Motivated students can even earn their degrees while serving full time.
Remember, you will also be eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill after your
service is complete.

Tuition Assistance (TA)

TA pays up to $250 per credit but no more than $4,500 total per
academic year. It can be applied to undergraduate and graduate
courses taken on campus or through distance learning programs on
your own time. Each branch provides a slightly different TA program.

Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC)

The SOC helps all members of the armed forces earn degrees regardless
of where they are stationed. Programs include distance learning,
classes on bases, and a network of military-friendly colleges and
universities.

College Credit for Military Experience

You may be able to transform military experience into college credit.
Many colleges award military students credit toward a degree based
on training, coursework, and occupational specialty. The American
Council on Education (ACE) gives credit for most of the training you
will receive, including Basic Training.

Credit By Examination

The "Credit-by-Exam" Program, also known as DANTES, allows military
personnel to demonstrate college-level knowledge in more than 150
subject areas for free. Passing a test earns credit at any school
that accepts the exams.

Description

Use your Montgomery GI Bill and veterans' education benefits to pay
for education after you leave the military.

Oveview

If you honorably complete your service in the armed forces, there is
a variety of financial aid available to you. Depending on how long
you serve, you may be able to pay your entire cost of attendance
with this aid. For even more training programs available to you
after your service, check out Civilian Transition.

Chapter 33 Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)

The new "Post-9/11" MGIB is a significant upgrade to the older
Chapter 30 program. The MGIB now pays for tuition and other costs
of attending school based on how long you served on active duty in
the military.

Improvements include larger tuition payments and a housing allowance
for full-time students. Here are the basics:

Open to all service members who are activated for more than 90
days after September 11, 2001 and receive an honorable discharge.

Payments are based on in-state tuition for public institutions
or $17,500 for private institutions, and are sent directly to
your school for up to 36 months of full-time attendance.

Amount of benefits is determined by how long you served on
active duty: if you served 36 months you will receive 100% of
tuition cost, while 30 months receives 90%, down to 90 days,
which receives 40% of tuition cost. You will also receive less
if you attend less than full time.

Personnel who serve 30 days or more and are discharged for a
service-connected disability will receive 100% of tuition cost.

Pays a monthly housing stipend, money for books and supplies,
and money for licensing or certification tests.

Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)

If you served before September 11, 2001, you can use your Chapter 30
MGIB benefits instead of Chapter 33. This may be a better choice for
certain programs, but each student's situation is unique. Check out
all the facts before choosing which program to use. Visit the
website above for more information.

The Army College Fund (ACF)

The ACF increases the amount of tuition you are entitled to through
the GI Bill. Only enlisted Army personnel in certain military
specialties are eligible, and the ACF must be in your initial
enlistment contract. Contact an Army recruiter for more information.

Veterans Education Assistance Program (VEAP)

VEAP was offered to service members who entered active duty between
1977 and June 30, 1985. VEAP must be used within 10 years of
release from active duty.

Dependents Education Assistance (DEA) Program

Provides educational assistance for the children and spouses of
veterans who have died or are permanently and totally disabled due
to their service. Children of personnel who are Missing in Action
or Prisoners of War for more than 90 days are also eligible.

Things To Consider

Description

Before you join the military, there are a few important issues for
you to think about.

Overview

For many people, the benefits of serving the armed forces outweigh
the negative aspects. Service members are paid well, their families
are taken care of, and they are part of a large community. They
also gain valuable life experience, including:

The ability to lead

Maturity, by facing challenges and making decisions that have
consequences

Organizational skills

Self-management

Although there are many benefits, the military is not for everyone.
Before you join the military, there are a few important issues for
you to think about. For more information on life in the military,
check out Military Life.

War & Combat

The military exists to defend our nation, our allies, and our
interests. But Congress and the President decide when to go to war.
Service members do not get to choose whether to fight or not. If you
join, you will likely be sent into combat, regardless of your
specialty. There are no safe jobs in modern wars.

No "Period of Adjustment"

Once you leave for basic training, there is no turning back. You are
in the military for 8 years whether you like it or not. You may be
able to serve a few years on active duty and then transfer into the
Reserve. However, the military can call you to active service at
anytime until your contract is complete. The military can also
extend your contract during war. As the saying in the military goes,
"the quickest way out is to finish your contract."

No Job Guarantees

The military is not a scholarship program, a travel agency, or a job
training center. These are all benefits offered to service members.
However, there are no job guarantees, even after you are trained.
The military fills positions as they are needed, and may require
you to change jobs. The military can also end your contract early,
leaving you unemployed until you can find civilian work.

Fewer Constitutional Rights

Service members are subject to the Uniform Code of Military Justice
(UCMJ), laws that are unique to the military. UCMJ restricts service
members' freedom of speech, right to assembly or petition, and
individual expression. It also requires you to follow all lawful
orders given by your chain of command.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD results from traumatic experiences and affects different people
in different ways. Symptoms can include hyper-alertness, depression,
anger, or paranoia.

About 30% of all service members suffer from PTSD. It can be the
result of combat experiences, frightening accidents, sexual assault,
or other traumatic experiences. Veterans Affairs and the military
offer free counseling for service members, veterans, and their
families.

Sexual Harassment & Assault

Although the military has come a long way in the last 30 years,
sexual harassment and assault are still problems in the military.
It isn't just females who experience unwanted sexual contact, either.
In 2006, 6.8% of women in the military and 1.8% of men in the
military reported unwanted sexual contact of some kind. That's equal
to nearly 14,000 females and just over 21,000 males. The percentage
is lower for males because there are significantly more males in the
military.

Offenses against women also tend to be worse. In 2009, women service
members in combat zones were more likely to be sexually assaulted by
male service members than to be killed. To learn more about the
challenges women face in the military, check out Opportunities
for Women.

For more information on sexual harassment and assault in the
military, visit:

Recruitment

Description

Recruiters are paid to enlist people. Get all the facts before you
commit to serve.

Overview

You may have seen recruiters at air shows or the mall, or even your
school. Recruiters are paid to find and enlist quality recruits
into their branch of service. They will answer any questions you may
have. If you ask the right questions and have the right attitude,
you can make recruiters work for you to get the information you
need and the options you want. Use the list of questions to ask at
right to get started, and come up with some of your own.

You will need to fill out some paperwork to find out specific
information, so be prepared with important documents when you meet
your recruiter. The list at right of what to bring should get you
started.

Talking to Recruiters

Recruiters can be intimidating—they are often in military uniform,
and may be much older than you. Don't be intimidated! If you aren't
interested in the military, you do not have to talk to recruiters
at all. You can also prevent your school from giving your contact
information to recruiters.

You will have to speak with a recruiter in order to join. Here are
some tips to help you interact with recruiters:

Don't be timid. Talking to recruiters might be a little scary
at first, but your attitude will go a long way. It's important
that you pay attention to the process. Recruiters are there to
get you to join—not to take care of you or get you the best job.

Bring a friend or trusted adult. Have someone you trust come
with you when you meet with a recruiter. But remember, the
decision to enlist is ultimately yours to make.

Ask recruiters to include their promises in your contract.
Verbal promises don't exist in the military. If it isn't in
writing, it won't happen.

Check out your options. Don’t just meet with one recruiter from
one branch of the military. Get information about similar jobs
that interest you from several branches. You might be surprised
by what you find.

Print the list of what to bring, and gather the documents
together ahead of time.

Online Information

To locate a recruiter in your area or learn more about each branch,
check out their official websites:

Questions for Recruiters

The military is always changing, so you will need to get up-to-date
information about the jobs you may be interested in. This list of
questions to ask recruiters should at least get you started. Write
down the answers your recruiter gives you, you'll want to remember
this information!

How long must I enlist for this job?

What bonuses or incentives do I qualify for?

Can I negotiate a higher rank, E2, E3, or even E4?

What do I need to score on the ASVAB to qualify?

How is this branch different from other branches?

How is the job I'm interested in different from the same job in
other branches?

Can I get a guaranteed Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)
written into my contract?

What physical requirements do I need to meet?

Can I request my first duty assignment?

How much would I actually make in this job?

What benefits, special training, or college courses will I get
in this job?

What could disqualify me from being able to enlist?

Am I disqualified from any jobs?

How long are combat deployments in this branch of service?

What are the average fatality rates for my proposed job?

What kind of training will I receive? Can I add additional
training into my enlistment contract?

Does this job exist in the Reserve or National Guard?

What are the biggest challenges people encounter when joining the
military?

What to Bring

To find out what jobs and bonuses you are eligible for, you will
have to fill out some paperwork. Remember, you don't have to sign an
enlistment contract when you meet with a recruiter. See what you're
eligible for, and think it over.

When you meet with a recruiter, bring the following:

Driver's License

Social Security Card

Green Card (if applicable)

Passport

Birth Certificate

Marriage License (or Divorce Papers, if applicable)

Legal records

Credit Report (if applicable)

School transcripts

School diplomas and degrees

Resume

Address and contact information for all the places you have
lived in the past 10 years

Dates and locations of any time you have traveled outside the
U.S. over the past 10 years

Qualifying

Description

The military is not for everyone. Be honest with yourself and your
recruiter about your qualifications.

Overview

To join the military, you must meet certain standards. It is very
important that you are honest with your recruiter if you don't meet
a certain requirement. Your recruiter may be able to have the
requirement waived. If you lie about something that disqualifies
you, you could end up in jail or receive a dishonorable discharge.

Each branch of service sets its own enlistment standards for specific
jobs. The Department of Defense also sets general standards for all
services to follow. These standards apply to both enlisted personnel
and officers.

The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)

You have to take the ASVAB to enlist in the military just like you
have to take the SAT or ACT to get into college. Each service sets
minimum score requirements, and certain jobs require even higher
scores. If you join as an officer, you do not have to take the ASVAB.

Taking the ASVAB is not a commitment to enlist.

Everyone interested in enlisting must take the ASVAB. Your score
determines which branches of service and jobs you can enlist in.

Each enlisted occupation requires a minimum score. The score
represents the skills needed to perform a particular job.

Minimum scores vary from service to service, and from job to
job. The minimum score to be an aircraft mechanic in the Navy
may be different from the minimum score for the same job in the
Air Force.

You may take the test in High School, at a Military Enlistment
Processing Station (MEPS), or at a Military Examining Team Site
(METS).

You can take the ASVAB more than once, but only your most recent
score is valid. Your score is good for 2 years.

If you want to join as an officer, you do not have to take the
ASVAB. However, it is a great way to evaluate your abilities.

ASVAB Test

It is a multiple-choice timed test and takes about three hours to
complete. The test is divided into 8 sections:

General Science

Arithmetic Reasoning

Word Knowledge

Paragraph Comprehension

Mathematics Knowledge

Electronics Information

Auto and Shop Information

Mechanical Comprehension

Scores in each of these sections are combined into 3 Career
Exploration Scores: Verbal, Math, Science and Technical. All of your
scores are combined to determine your Armed Forces Qualification Test
(AFQT) Score. This is the score recruiters will use to determine
what jobs you can enlist in.

The ASVAB Summary Results sheet displays your score in each of the
above categories. It also graphs your scores to show how your
abilities compare to other people your age and gender.

ASVAB Scores

Before you take the ASVAB, you will need to sign a Privacy Act
Statement that grants permission for the Department of Defense (DoD)
to score your test. If you do not sign the permission form, your
test will not be processed.

After the DoD scores your test, you (and your school counselor, if
you are in high school) will receive a copy of your ASVAB Summary
Results. Students can individually choose to release or withhold
their information. Otherwise, your school decides if, when, and how
recruiters are able to see your test scores and contact information.
To learn how to prevent your school from releasing your information
to recruiters, check out For Parents. ASVAB information is not
shared with the Selective Service System.

Education

Recruits with high school diplomas are preferred by the military.
You may be able to enlist with a GED, but the armed forces have been
allowing fewer and fewer GED-holders in. To become a commissioned
officer, you must have a college degree. The military separates
potential recruits into three categories of education:

Tier 1: high school diploma holders

Tier 2: GED or equivalent certificate holders

Tier 3: non-graduates

Each branch is allowed to set its own education standards. Tier 1
recruits are preferred, and very few Tier 2 recruits are allowed to
enlist. Some require minimum ASVAB scores of Tier 2 recruits. When
enlistments are up, as they often are in a slow economy, even fewer
Tier 2 recruits are accepted. There are almost no Tier 3 enlistments.
As of 2009, each branch set the following education standards for
Tier 2 enlistments:

Army: no more than 5% of enlistments per year

Navy: no more than 5% of enlistments per year

Air Force: no more than 1% of enlistments per year

Marine Corps: no more than 5% of enlistments per year

Coast Guard: no more than 25 enlistments per year

To learn more about the military's acceptance of GED certificates,
contact a recruiter.

Moral Character

The military is a disciplined organization and places a great deal
of trust in each of its service members. Recruits must have good
moral character. The military checks court records, juvenile
delinquency, arrests, and drug use. Certain offenses can be waived,
but do not lie about your record. You can be sent to jail and
dishonorably discharged for lying about your past, years after
you enlist.

Age

You can join at 17 with the consent of a parent or legal guardian.
If you are 18 or older, you do not need the consent of a parent or
guardian.

Maximum ages:

Army:

35 years

Navy:

34 years

Air Force:

27 years

Marine Corps:

29 years

Coast Guard:

27 years

Physical & Medical Exam

You must be healthy and meet minimum vision standards to join the
military. While some past medical problems can be waived, physical
and mental disabilities cannot. Other conditions that will prevent
you from enlisting include diabetes, severe allergies, epilepsy,
alcoholism, drug addiction, and other diseases.

There are minimum and maximum weight limits depending on your gender,
age, and height. Generally, men must be between 5'0" and 6'8".
Women must be between 4'10" and 6'8".

Citizenship

You must be a U.S. citizen or meet certain immigration standards to
join.

Family Requirements

You can enlist whether you are single or married. If you are single
and have dependents under age 18, you may only be eligible for
certain branches of service. If you are single and have more than
two dependents under the age of 18, you may not be allowed to enlist.

Description

If you decide to join, be sure you're ready and have all the facts.
Then get ready to sign!

Overview

Enlisted personnel are the workforce of the military. They are led
by commissioned officers and senior enlisted personnel called
non-commissioned officers (NCOs). Generally, you must have a high
school diploma to enlist.

To enlist in the military, you sign an enlistment contract. The
military agrees to provide pay, benefits, occupational training,
and a job. The military tries to place you in the job it trains you
for. However, a specific type of job is not guaranteed.

In return, you agree to serve at least 8 years. From 2 to 6 of those
years are on active duty. The rest are in the reserves. The length
of active duty depends on the service and the amount of training the
military provides. For more information on what enlisted personnel
do in the armed forces, visit Enlisted Personnel.

Enlistment can be a long process with lots of paperwork. Consider
each step carefully. Your decisions will affect the next 8 years of
your life! Don't enlist if you are in a stressful situation,
depressed, or pressured by friends or family.

Be sure to talk to people who are or have been in the military. They
can give you their view of military life, both good and bad. Ask
advice from your friends and family. And be sure to check out
Things to Consider before you sign anything.

Step 1 - Meet with the recruiter

Military recruiters provide information about enlisting. It is their
job to find quality recruits and enlist them. Bring a friend or
trusted adult with you to talk with a recruiter. There is a lot of
information to take in, and your friend may have questions you
didn't think to ask.>

Step 2 - Take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)

The ASVAB is a multiple-choice test used by every branch of the
military to determine what jobs you qualify for. If you are in high
school, you may be able to take the test at your school. Otherwise,
you can take it at MEPS.

Step 3 - Visit a Military Enlistment Processing Station (MEPS)

Your recruiter will make an appointment for you to visit MEPS. MEPS
will complete your in-processing paperwork, background check, and
physical exam. You will need to bring your medical records, any
paperwork you have completed, and the items listed in What to Bring.
The military pays for travel expenses to and from MEPS.

Step 4 - Choose a military occupation

By now, you should have some idea about what you want to do in the
military. Each of your options will have an identifying code, often
called a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS). Your choices may
be limited by your ASVAB score and your physical exam results. The
military tries to offer you the job it trains you for, but your job
can change once you are in the military.

Step 5 - Sign an enlistment contract

Whatever you do, don't enlist the first time you meet with a
recruiter. Get all the facts, research your options, and meet with
recruiters from at least two similar branches. For instance, if you
are interested in becoming an aircraft mechanic, every branch of the
military offers this job. But certain branches may offer higher
enlistment bonuses, more training opportunities, or civilian
accreditation.

If you decide to enlist, be sure to:

Get a copy of the enlistment contract before you sign. Take it
home, look it over, and think about it.

Make sure all your recruiter's promises are in your enlistment
contract; otherwise they don't exist.

Remember that the contract details are more binding on you than
on the military. The military can change your terms, including
pay, job, and benefits.

Step 6 - Get ready for basic training!

Basic training is physically and mentally demanding. The more
prepared you are, the easier it will be. Your recruiter can give
you materials to study and you should get in shape physically.

Commission

Description

Think you can be a leader?

Use your degree to earn higher pay and greater responsibility.

Overview

Commissioned officers are the leaders and managers of the military.
They are in charge of enlisted personnel, and are held to very high
standards of conduct and responsibility. Generally, you must have a
4-year college degree to become an officer.

To join the military as a commissioned officer, you still sign an
enlistment contract. The military agrees to provide pay, benefits,
occupational training, and a job. The military tries to place you in
the job it trains you for. However, a specific type of job is not
guaranteed.

In return, you agree to serve at least 8 years. From 2 to 6 of those
years are on active duty. The rest are in the reserves. The length
of active duty depends on the service and the amount of training
the military provides. For more information on what officers do in
the armed forces.

U.S. Service Academies

These undergraduate military colleges provide a college education in
return for 5 years of active service after graduation. Graduates
earn a bachelor's degree and are commissioned as officers. If an
academy is your goal, buckle down now: competition for admission is
intense. About 10% of the military's new officers come from service
academies each year.

Future doctor? The Uniformed Services University of the Health
Sciences (USUHS) offers training in exchange for 7 years of active
duty and a 6-year Reserve commitment. There are other ways to become
a medical professional in the military, but few pay all training
costs like USUHS. For more information, visit:

A strong commercial shipping industry is key to the success of the
U.S. military around the world. The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
trains civilian ship captains as well as active duty and reserve
military officers. For more information, visit:

Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC)

This program offers 2-, 3-, and 4-year scholarships based on your
merit and grades. ROTC programs offer college-based military
training at many colleges. Once you complete your degree, you are
commissioned as an officer. Most commitments last 8 years: 4 years
on active duty, and 4 years in the Reserves. About 40% of new
officers come from ROTC programs each year. The Coast Guard does
not have an ROTC program.

Pays part or all of the cost of tuition and books depending on
branch of the service.

Pays a stipend during the school year depending on enrollment
terms.

Available to all majors, but engineering, nursing, or science
students may be preferred.

Select cadets can serve part time in the Reserves or National
Guard while pursuing a civilian career.

Officer Candidate School (OCS)

OCS is essentially boot camp for officers. Only college graduates may
apply to OCS, called Officer Training School (OTS) in the Air Force.
Training lasts up to 17 weeks. The Marine Corps also offers Platoon
Leaders Class (PLC). It allows college students to train as officers
in the summer and enter into service once they earn their degree.

After completing the program, new officers usually must serve 4 years
of active duty. Candidates must enter Officer Training School on or
before they turn 29 years old. Reserve and National Guard components
of the military offer similar programs with varying service
commitments. Each year, about 25% of the military's new officers
come from these programs.

Direct Appointment

Medical, legal, engineering, and religious professionals who are
already qualified in their fields may receive direct appointments
as military officers. Most train for only a few weeks before
practicing their professions in the military. Some may attend OCS
or OTS. They must serve at least 2 years. Incentives for direct
appointment include student loan repayment options. About 15% of
new officers receive direct appointments each year.

Enlisted Commissioning Programs

Qualified enlisted personnel can train to earn commissions as
officers. Programs vary by branch and occupation, and candidates
usually must have a college degree. Most branches require
candidates to attend OCS or OTS, even if they have already been
through basic training. Each year, about 10% of new officers come
from these programs.

Basic Training

Description

Find out what you learn in each branch of the military and how to succeed.

Overview

Basic training is your introduction to the military. You will learn
to follow orders and work as a team. You will learn military history,
customs, and the laws of warfare. You will also prepare mentally and
physically for high-stress situations.

Basic Combat Training, Recruit Training, Boot Camp. Each branch
calls it something a little different, and each one teaches slightly
different things. None are easy, but they aren't designed to make
you fail. They train you to succeed, even in the most adverse
conditions.

There is a lot of yelling at basic training. Drill instructors have
to teach you to work under stress, and yelling is an effective way
to do so. You'll get few phone calls, and every minute of your day
will be managed. Keep in mind that the military is not like this
after basic training. Once you graduate, you will have the respect
of your superiors and your peers as a member of the U.S. military.

Men and women serve together, and in some branches they also train
together for certain jobs. Don't expect to meet someone special
during your military training, though. Having a relationship with
someone in your unit is called “fraternization,” and can have
serious consequences.

Officers do not go through the same basic training as enlisted
personnel. For officers, basic training is part of their preparation
program (ROTC, OCS, OTS, Service Academies). Although they learn many
of the same tasks, their training programs are often much longer and
focus on leadership.

Although each branch has a different basic training program,
day-to-day schedules are fairly similar:

5:00-6:30

Physical conditioning, showers, first formation

6:30-7:30

Breakfast

7:30-8:30

Prepare for inspection

8:30-11:30

Classroom or field instruction

11:30-12:30

Lunchn

12:30-4:30

Classroom or field instruction

4:30-5:30

Dinner

5:30-6:30

Mail, briefings

6:30-9:00

Study, personal time, evening training activities

9:00

Lights out

Each branch teaches slightly different skills and values during basic
training. To learn more about each branch's basic training program,
check out Basic Training by Branch.

Army Basic Combat Training

Army Basic Combat Training (BCT) is designed to teach you to
survive and fight effectively in combat. Also, BCT has
become more intense. You will carry and maintain your rifle
for nine weeks, train in heavy body armor, and spend a total
of three weeks in the field. You will learn to shoot from
vehicles, clear buildings, and use nearly every weapon in
the U.S. arsenal. BCT focuses entirely on modern ground
combat.

Processing

You will spend several days in-processing before your
training formally begins. You will be issued your clothing
and gear, go through medical screening, and take an initial
physical training test. Finally, you meet your instructors
who will guide nearly every move you make for the next 9
weeks.

BCT Locations:

U.S. Army Infantry Training Center, Fort Benning, Georgia

Fort Jackson, South Carolina

Fort Knox, Kentucky

Fort Sill, Oklahoma

Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri

Weeks 1-3: Basics of Soldiering

The first three weeks cover the basics of soldiering. You
will be issued uniforms, a haircut, and an M16 rifle. You
will begin to learn how to work under stress, and start to
become physically fit. You will learn Army heritage and to
live by the Army Core Values: loyalty, duty, respect,
selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage. By
the end of Red Phase, you will begin to look and act like
a soldier.

Weeks 1-3 include:

Army Heritage and Core Values

Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ)

3 km and 6 km Road Marches

Physical Conditioning

Communications

Obstacle Courses and Rappel

Drill and Ceremony

First Aid

Hand-to-Hand Combat

M-16 Rifle Introduction

Map Reading and Land Navigation

Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) Training

Mines and Improvised Explosive Devices

Weeks 4-6: Marksmanship and Combat Training

The second phase of training is about combat. You'll continue
to work on your fitness while becoming a competent marksman
with your rifle. You'll become familiar with other weapons
used by the U.S. military, and move on to more advanced
infantry tactics. As you train, you'll become more confident
in your abilities as a soldier.

Weeks 4-6 include:

Physical Conditioning

M-16 Basic Rifle Marksmanship (BRM)

6 km and 10 km Road Marches

Tactical Training, Patrol Base Operations

Hand Grenades

M2 Machine Gun

M203 Grenade Launcher

Pugil and Bayonet Training

Rifle Qualification

Weeks 7-9: Advanced Combat Skills

The last three weeks of training are intense. You put
everything you've learned together. You learn to shoot
in combat situations: from vehicles, inside buildings, and
at moving targets. Your training culminates on the Night
Infiltration Course, where you have to move in the dark under
live machine gun fire and explosions. You will earn your
Rites of Passage, and then graduate to become an Army soldier.

Navy Boot Camp

Navy Boot Camp transforms civilians — many of whom have
never set foot on a ship — into Sailors. From firefighting
aboard a ship, to navigation at sea, to firing navy weapons,
boot camp is about seamanship in the Navy. You will learn on
a land-bound training ship, complete with watertight
compartments, simulated fires, and many other obstacles a
Sailor may face at sea. You will graduate from training to
become a part of the largest naval force on earth.

Processing

You will spend several days in-processing before your
training formally begins. You will be issued your clothing
and gear, go through medical screening, and take an initial
physical training test. Finally, you are introduced to your
instructors who will guide nearly every move you make for
the next 8 weeks.

Boot Camp Location:

Great Lakes, Illinois

Weeks 1-3: Confidence Course and Land-Bound Training Ship

The first week covers the basics of serving in the Navy. You
will learn the laws of the Navy, and learn to live by the
Navy Core Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. You will
begin physical training and learn to work with a team. Most
importantly, you will begin to learn seamanship. You will
learn hands-on aboard a land-bound training ship. You will
practice first aid, navigation, and communication as though
you are at sea. At the end of the week, you and your team
will be tested as you get the ship underway for a voyage,
and then bring it back into port.

Weeks 1-3 include:

Navy Heritage and Core Values

Physical Conditioning

Swimming

Drill and Ceremony

Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ)

Obstacle Course

Teamwork

Physical Conditioning

Basic Seamanship

Ship and Aircraft Identification

First Aid

Shipboard Communication

Customs and Courtesies

Laws of Warfare

Weeks 4-5: Weapons

If you've never fired a weapon before, pay special attention!
You will learn each weapon inside and out before you head
to the range. You will only have to qualify with the M-16
rifle, but you will shoot a shotgun and pistol as well.
Also, focusing on the future, you will begin to learn about
and plan your career in the Navy.

Weeks 4-5 include:

M-16 Rifle

M870 Shotgun

M9 Service Pistol

Career Counseling

Physical Conditioning

Weeks 6-8: Damage Control and Battle Stations

Your seamanship training continues this week as you learn
damage control. Lessons are hands-on: real fires, real
watertight compartments, and real equipment. You also take
your final Physical Training and Swim tests. In week 7,
all your knowledge will be put to the test in 12 Battle
Stations. You will complete tasks as a team and compete
with other recruits. At the conclusion of Battle Stations,
you will have your Capping Ceremony, where you are
acknowledged as being what you have become: a Navy Sailor.
Your friends and family then gather to see you graduate in
ceremony.

Air Force Basic Military Training

The Air Force may not have a large force of ground-pounders
or sailors, but that doesn't mean its recruits are any less
prepared for military service than other branches of the
armed forces. Air Force Basic Military Training (BMT) is
physically and mentally challenging, and places special
emphasis on leadership, integrity, and decision-making. It
also emphasizes academics: every recruit is enlisted in the
Community College of the Air Force.

Processing

You will spend several days in-processing before your
training formally begins. You will be issued your clothing
and gear, go through medical screening, and take an initial
physical training test. Finally, you are introduced to your
instructors who will guide nearly every move you make for
the next 8 weeks.

BMT Location:

Lackland Air Force Base, Texas

Weeks 1-2: Basics of the Air Force

You are issued an M-16 rifle and taught the basics of
marksmanship, and begin learning tactical movements. You
will also be introduced to the Air Force Core Values:
Integrity First, Service before Self, and Excellence in All
We Do.

Weeks 1-2 include:

Career Guidance

Air Force Heritage and Core Values

Drill and Ceremony

Law of Armed Warfare

Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ)

M-16 Rifle

Tactical Movement

Force Protection

Physical Conditioning

Weeks 3-5: Combat and Marksmanship

You'll continue to work on your fitness while becoming a
competent marksman with your rifle. You'll become familiar
with more advanced combat tactics. And as you train, you'll
become more confident in your abilities as an airman.

Weeks 3-5 include:

First Aid/Combat Lifesaving

Nuclear, Biological, Chemical (NBC)

Obstacle Course

Tactical Movement

M-16 Rifle Fire

Pugil Sticks

Physical Conditioning

Weeks 6-8: Basic Expeditionary Airman Skills Training

By now you've learned enough to become an airman—but you
still have to prove you are one. The BEAST (Basic
Expeditionary Airman Skills Training) will stretch you
mentally and physically more than anything else up to this
point in your training. Once you complete it, you'll prepare
to be recognized at graduation as an airman.

Marine Corps Recruit Training

Marine Corps Recruit Training is the longest and most
physically demanding basic training. Every Marine is trained
to fight. Recruit Training emphasizes the Marine Corps
Martial Arts Program and rifle marksmanship. You will make
the Core Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment part of
your daily life. And, because the Marines operate from sea,
you will have to become a competent swimmer. Recruit
Training is long and intense, and not for everyone.

Processing

You will spend several days in-processing before your
training formally begins. Recruits arrive late at night and
receive the "Welcome Aboard" speech. You will be issued your
clothing and gear, go through medical screening, and perform
the Initial Strength Test. Finally, you are introduced to
your drill instructors who will guide your every move for
the next 12 weeks.

Recruit Training Locations:

Parris Island, South Carolina

San Diego, California

Weeks 1-4: Basics of being a Marine

You have to learn what it means to be a Marine before you
can become one. You will learn Marine Corps history,
courtesies, and the Core Values of Honor, Courage, and
Commitment. You will begin learning to work under stress
immediately, and it will only intensify as your training
progresses. You will be conditioned physically every day,
and be challenged physically by a variety of obstacle
courses. You will begin learning to fight like a Marine in
martial arts training. And because Marines fight from sea,
you will have to pass a swim test to move on to the next
phase of training.

Weeks 1-4 include:

Marine Corps Heritage and Core Values

Drill and Ceremony

Marine Corps Martial Arts Program

Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ)

Interior Guard

Physical Conditioning

First Aid

Pugil Sticks

Leadership

Laws of Warfare

5 km and 8 km Marches

Obstacle Courses

Nuclear, Biological, Chemical

(NBC)

Rappelling

Swim Training

Weeks 5-8: Rifle Marksmanship

The next phase of training focuses on a Marine's primary
function: firing the M-16 rifle. You will spend days "dry
firing" without ammunition, and then learning to shoot with
live ammunition. To keep you focused on finishing, company
photographs are also taken this week. You will begin
learning to work as a team in combat situations. Finally,
you will qualify with your rifle.

Weeks 5-8 include:

10 km and 12 km March

M-16 Rifle Training

Rifle Marksmanship

Rifle Qualification

Physical Conditioning

Obstacle Courses

Teamwork

Combat Tactics

Weeks 9-12: Combat Skills and Tactics

With graduation on the horizon, you will begin learning more
advanced tactics and skills. You will learn to navigate by
map and compass, and to fire your rifle on the move. The
final Physical Fitness Test gives you a chance to prove
you're fit to be a Marine. Then you must face The Crucible:
a 54-hour test of skill, endurance, and knowledge. It
culminates with the Night Assault Course, where you will
move in simulated combat under real machine gun fire. Those
who succeed are rewarded the Globe and Anchor emblem of the
Marine Corps, and are presented to family and friends as
U.S. Marines at the final graduation ceremony.

Coast Guard Basic Training

Coast Guard Basic Training transforms civilians—many of whom
have never set foot on a ship—into Guardians. From
firefighting aboard a ship, to navigation at sea, to firing
weapons, Basic Training is all about seamanship in the Coast
Guard. You will learn hands-on aboard a land-bound training
ship, complete with watertight compartments, simulated
fires, and many other obstacles a Guardian may face at sea.

Processing

You will spend several days in-processing before your
training formally begins. You will be issued your clothing
and gear, go through medical screening, and take an initial
physical training test. Finally, you are introduced to your
instructors who will guide nearly every move you make for
the next 8 weeks.

Basic Training Location:

Cape May, New Jersey

Weeks 1-2: Learning the Basics

The first week covers the basics of serving in the Coast
Guard. You will learn the laws that govern your time in the
Coast Guard, and learn to live by the Coast Guard Core
Values of Honor, Courage, and Commitment. The second week is
all about teamwork and physical conditioning. You will go
through several obstacle courses designed to simulate
challenges you may face at sea.

Weeks 1-2 include:

Coast Guard Heritage and Core Values

Drill and Ceremony

Weapons Issue

Teamwork

Physical Conditioning

Week 3-5: Seamanship

Seamanship encompasses many tasks, so you will learn
hands-on aboard a land-bound training ship. You will
practice first aid, navigation, and communication as though
you are at sea. At the end of the week, you and your team
will be tested as you get the ship underway for a voyage,
and then bring it back into port. You will also learn each
Coast Guard weapon inside and out before you head to the
range. Also, focusing on the future, you will begin to learn
about and plan your career in the Coast Guard.

Weeks 3-5 include:

Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ)

Physical Conditioning

Drill and Ceremony

Seamanship

Nautical Terms

Ship and Aircraft Identification

Line Handling

Rescue Swimming and Survival Gear

P229 Pistol

M1 Garand Rifle

Physical Fitness Test

Rates (Coast Guard Jobs)

Hand-to-Hand Combat, Pugil Sticks

Communications

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

Orders and Stationing

Week 6-8: Damage Control

Your seamanship training continues this week as you learn
damage control. Lessons are hands-on: real fires, real
watertight compartments, and real equipment. You also will
take your final Physical Training and Swim tests this week.
Finally, your friends and family can gather to see you
graduate in ceremony.

Weeks 6-8 include:

Firefighting

Physical Training (PT) Test

Swim Qualification

Oxygen Breathing Apparatus

Career Counseling

Pugil Sticks

First Aid and CPR

Uniform Inspection

Seamanship Finals

Confidence Obstacle Course

Graduation

Advanced Training

Overview

The real career education begins after you complete basic training.

After graduating from basic training, Soldiers, Seamen, Airmen, Marines, and
Guardians move on to advanced training. Each branch has a slightly different
name for this period of skill instruction, but the purpose is the same for each.
This is where the training for specific jobs in military career fields begins.
There are dozens of schools covering the spectrum of military jobs.

Like basic training, advanced training includes classroom instruction, hands-on
learning, and training in the field. However, you will be treated as a full
member of the military and not as a new recruit. Schools vary in length from
a few weeks to more than a year.

To learn more about jobs available in the military.

To learn more about jobs and schools available in each branch of the military,
visit:

Military Experiences

Description

Life is different in the military. You are no longer a civilian.

Overview

Day-to-day life in the active duty military can be very different for
each service member. Each branch of service, job, and duty station
offers a different experience. It also depends on whether the
country is at peace or at war.

For some service members, especially those with administrative or
support roles, the military is essentially a 9-to-5 job. Even those
in combat positions often work a normal schedule when not deployed
or training in the field.

Young, unmarried service members usually live in barracks on a
military base. Married service members may live in housing on the
base or private housing off base.

Most service members participate in annual trainings where they
practice their specialty in a simulated combat situation, whether
on land or on sea. For some specialties, such as mechanics, this
simply means a higher work tempo; for others, such as battleship
crewmembers, it can mean a several-week voyage.

There are important differences between military and civilian
careers. Like any job, you must follow orders and meet performance
standards. You do not have the same constitutional rights as
civilians, even though you are sworn to protect those rights. You
must dress and conduct yourself according to military standards. If
you commit a crime off base or against a civilian, you may be
subject to a civilian trial and punishment and a military trial
and punishment.

Although certain jobs in each branch are very similar (aircraft
mechanics, for example), and each branch maintains forces at
overseas bases, experiences will be different from branch to branch.

Life in the Reserve and National Guard

If you serve in the Reserve and National Guard, you can live almost
anywhere in the U.S. and have a civilian job. Once a month you
travel to your unit's armory for training and are paid for those few
days at active duty rates. You may attend additional training
voluntarily or to meet promotion requirements.

At least once a year you must train for two weeks with your unit.
This is done to keep your skills sharp. Many service members in the
Reserve or National Guard spend much more time training than the
required amount, especially in the higher ranks. Some Army National
Guard soldiers have experienced deployments as frequently as active
duty soldiers.

There are also Active Guard/Reserve (AGR) positions. These service
members work full time in the Guard or Reserve and receive active
duty pay. They work mainly in administrative, command, training,
and supply positions. They ensure that the force maintains a high
state of readiness.

Deployment

Active duty, Reserve, and National Guard deployments can be to combat
or non-combat zones. The U.S. military has operations all over the
world, including peacekeeping and humanitarian missions. Military
units often assist other countries during natural disasters. They
also train the militaries of allied countries.

From 2001 to 2010, the majority of deployments were to Iraq or
Afghanistan. However, there were also units deployed within the
U.S. to help prepare other units for combat. Navy units were
deployed off the coast of Somalia to prevent piracy. Army units were
deployed to South Korea to maintain peace with North Korea. National
Guard units were deployed to Mongolia to help train soldiers from
across Southeast Asia. There were even Guard and Reserve units
called up for active duty to maintain bases in the U.S. until the
military units normally there returned.

Combat Operations & War

The military exists to fight America's wars. This means killing
enemy combatants, and often risking death to do so. All service
members can be sent into combat, even those in non-combat positions.
Non-combat positions exist to support combat positions, and often
have to operate in combat zones to do so. Even cooks have to be ready
to stand and fight. If you are not okay with this fact, the military
probably isn't for you.

There are also no "safe" positions in the military. Modern wars and
conflicts have no front lines, and enemies often work very hard to
disguise themselves as allies in order to gain access to military
bases and operations. In addition, nearly any specialty may be
needed in a combat zone. Even computer programmers can end up deep
within a war zone in today's conflicts; Coast Guard ships have been
called to duty with the Navy in the Persian Gulf.

The length and frequency of combat deployments differs by branch.
The Army and Navy tend to have longer deployments, up to 18 months.
The Air Force and Marine Corps tend to have shorter, more frequent
deployments at 4 to 6 months.

To learn more about the number of service members wounded and killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, visit:

Wages

Description

Overview

The military is competitive with the civilian world when it comes to
pay and benefits. All branches offer the same basic pay and benefits.

Cost-of-living increases usually occur every year, based on inflation.
The military also pays allowances for food, clothing, and housing.
All these factors combined are called Regular Military Compensation
(RMC). They should all be considered when comparing military pay to
civilian pay.

RMC may seem confusing. There are two main parts to it: basic pay and
allowances. There are also additional incentives for special
abilities, training, or hazardous duty. Each is explained below.

To calculate Regular Military Compensation, including basic pay and
allowances, go to:

Basic Pay

Basic Pay is the largest part of a military paycheck. It is the same
across all branches of the military within each rank. It also
increases based on years of service.

There are different pay grades for enlisted (E-1 to E-9), warrant
officers (W1-W5), and commissioned officers (O-1 to O-10). National
Guard and Reserve personnel are paid at the same rate for the time
they work or train.

Allowances

All active duty service members receive the Basic Allowance for
Housing (BAH) and the Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) with
each paycheck. Reserve and Guard service members receive BAH and
BAS while training or deployed.

BAH fluctuates based on off-base rental prices in the area you are
stationed if there is no government housing available. It also
factors in your pay grade and whether or not you have dependents.
BAS fluctuates based on the price of food as measured by the USDA
food cost index.

BAH and BAS are non-taxable, and your entire paycheck is non-taxable
if you are in a combat zone (up to a certain amount for officers).
This means you don't pay taxes on thousands of dollars each year.

Special Compensation

The military pays extra for hazardous or unusually difficult jobs.
There are more than 77 different types of special compensation.
Hazardous duty examples include diving, parachuting, and Explosives
and Ordinance Disposal (EOD). Extra pay ranges from $150 to $240
per month. Hardship duty examples include submarine duty and poor
living conditions overseas. Hardship pay can reach up to $1,500
per month.

Enlistment Bonuses

The military offers bonuses for specific jobs that are understaffed.
Enlisted personnel may be eligible for bonuses when enlisting for
the first time or reenlisting.

Retirement Pay

Military personnel can retire after 20 years of service. Retirees
receive medical care, military store privileges, and retirement pay.
Retirees receive 40% of the average pay from the 3 highest-salary
years of their active duty service. Payments increase with more than
20 years of service.

Benefits

Overview

Military benefits are nearly unmatched in the civilian world. Most benefits
are offered by every branch of the military, including Reserve and National
Guard units. Spouses and family members are eligible for most benefits.
Benefits include:

Competitive pay and tax breaks

30 days paid vacation per year

Full health care

Legal assistance

Recreational programs

Military store privileges

Tuition assistance for college education

Free space-available travel

Life insurance

Retirement pay and benefits

Veterans' benefits

Hiring preference for veterans

Discount programs from civilian companies

For more information about benefits offered to veterans, check out Veterans'
Benefits. To learn more about military benefits, visit:

Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ)

Overview

The UCMJ is the military's own unique justice system. All members of the
military are subject to the code, including Reservists and National Guard.
Military personnel who commit crimes off base can be tried and punished by
local civilian courts (even in foreign countries) and the military.

The UCMJ has many laws similar to civilian laws. For example, UCMJ covers robbery,
assault, drug use, and fraud. UCMJ also grants similar legal rights, such as the
right to a lawyer, witness, and appeal.

Other laws in the UCMJ are unique to the military. Service members have limited
freedom of speech. There are very high standards for officers because they
have a lot of responsibility.

Many of the laws punish actions that would weaken a military unit at war. Unique
laws govern:

Absences from duty

Disrespecting officers

Disobeying orders

Not meeting military standards

Neglecting assigned duties

Major offenses are tried by courts-martial, which are similar to the civilian
justice system. There are judges, lawyers, and sometimes juries. Punishments
include loss of pay, loss of rank, imprisonment, and dishonorable discharge.

Desciption

Overview

Whether you are already married or considering marriage, there are a
few things for you and your spouse to consider before joining the
military.

About half of all military personnel are married. Officers are more
likely to be married than enlisted military personnel. More older
service members are married than younger service members. Click on
the graph at right to learn more about marriage in each branch
of the military.

Being married to a member of the armed forces can be very different
from being married to a civilian. Military personnel move often,
and spouses must adapt to unpredictable changes. Military spouses
are essentially single parents when their spouses deploy. They must
manage finances, home, children, and school by themselves. Military
spouses who live on bases may have to accept poor housing conditions.
Most importantly, they must be able to cope with the fact that the
military may send their spouses to war.

Being a military spouse does come with advantages:

Travel, including living overseas

Pride in their spouse's service and accomplishments

Being a part of a larger military family

Full medical benefits

Education opportunities

Careers for Military Spouses

More than half of military spouses work outside their home. If you
are a newlywed and your partner is considering a long military
career, you might want to consider a career field that is flexible
and portable. Select a career that is in wide demand.

Military spouses are more likely to work part time than civilian
spouses. They are also more likely to face long periods of
unemployment due to frequent moves. There are also fewer work
opportunities overseas for military spouses due to language
barriers or restrictions placed on foreign workers by the host country.

Military spouses are more likely to earn a lower wage than civilian
counterparts with the same level of education and experience. Many
employers don't want to expend the energy and resources to train a
military spouse who may move again without much notice.

Continuing Education Opportunities

Military spouses are eligible for the same sources of financial aid
as other students. The armed forces also offer scholarships to
military spouses. Service members with a certain number of years of
active duty can choose to give their GI Bill education benefits to
their spouse or children.

The Department of Defense (DoD) works to educate, train, and find
employment for military spouses through the My Career Advancement
Account (MCAA) program. For more on MCAA, visit:

Many programs for service members are also open to their spouses.
Programs include "Credit-by-Exam" and Servicemembers Opportunity
College (SOC). Opportunities differ by branch, but are usually
available online from any location. For more on these and other
education benefits, check out During Your Service and After Your
Service.

Survivors and Dependents Education Assistance Program

Children and spouses of veterans who have died or are permanently and
totally disabled due to their service are eligible for educational
assistance. Children of personnel who are Missing in Action or
Prisoners of War for more than 90 days are also eligible.

Marriage in the Military

Your Service Record

Description

There are many benefits for honorable service. If you leave
dishonorably, you receive none.

Overview

You can leave most jobs after 2 weeks. Not the military! You must
serve until your contract is complete, or you could face severe
consequences including jail time. The saying in the military is
that "the quickest way out is to finish."

How you serve in the military will have an impact on the rest of your
life. It is important to keep this in mind before you enlist. Your
type of discharge reflects your service in general; your DD214 is a
summary of all your active duty service.

DD214

In addition to a military discharge, service members will receive a
sheet of paper called a DD214 when they separate from the military.
The information on it is a record of their entire history of active
duty service, including training, Military Occupational Specialty,
and awards.

It will also denote the type of discharge received. Most employers
require veterans to present their DD214 before hiring, as it shows
a faithful record of their service. It is awarded after at least
90 days or more of active duty service.

Discharge from Military Service

All enlisted personnel receive a discharge of some type when their
service is complete. The type of discharge determines eligibility
for benefits, government hiring preferences, and even civilian
hiring preference in some cases. There are several types of military
discharges, listed here from the best to the worst.

Administrative Discharges are given at the completion of active duty
service or by a commanding authority. The discharge type usually
characterizes the service member's service:

Honorable Discharge is awarded to a service member who
has performed duties to standard and behaved well. It is also
awarded to service members whose service has been so meritorious
that anything less would be inappropriate, such as Medal of
Honor recipients. Most service members receive an honorable
discharge.

General (Under Honorable Conditions) Discharge is given
to a service member who has served faithfully, but whose
negative aspects outweigh the positive. It is often given to
enlistees who cannot adapt to military life.

Discharge under Other than Honorable Conditions is given
to a service member who has shown a pattern of bad conduct or
has committed a single act that is completely unacceptable to
the military. It is not as bad as a Dishonorable Discharge, but
can still have a negative effect on civilian employment and
veterans' benefits.

Punitive Discharges are given by courts-martial as punishment for
offenses. They can result in loss of veterans' benefits,
difficulty getting a civilian job, and even loss of voting rights.

There are two types:

Bad-Conduct Discharge is given as a punishment by a
court-martial, and is the equivalent of a Discharge under Other
than Honorable Conditions.

Dishonorable Discharge is given to a service member who
has committed the most severe of offenses. It is usually
reserved for those who commit criminal acts such as felonies or
disregard military law. It can only be given by a court-martial.

Early Separation

There are a few rare cases that allow active duty personnel to leave
the service early or transfer into the Reserves. Medical problems,
family hardship, and pregnancy are just a few. Service members may
have the option of separating early if the military cannot provide
the training promised in their enlistment contract. They may also
separate if they develop a sincere objection to participating in war.

Don't count on being able to leave the military before your contract
is complete. Early separations are very rare, and must be well
documented.

Civilian Transition

Description

Military personnel receive a lot of help when they re-enter the
civilian world.

Overview

The transition back to civilian life can be difficult. Military life
is very structured and orderly. As a civilian, you will have to
create your own structure and look for your own job. Take time to
think about all the pros and cons of leaving the military, and be
prepared for a variety of reactions from your friends, family,
and command.

Transition planning begins 1 year before you complete your service.
If you plan to retire from the military, you should start the
process 2 to 3 years in advance. If you are involuntarily separated,
you could find yourself out of the military in 48 hours.

As you prepare to leave the service, beware of scams guaranteeing
jobs to separating service members, or any other programs that
charge a fee for transition help. There are multiple
government-sponsored and non-profit organizations that offer
transition assistance for free.

Transition Assistance Program (TAP)

The TAP program is designed to help you smoothly transition back into
civilian life. The first step is Pre-Separation Counseling with a
transition counselor from your branch of service. You will complete
a DD Form 2648, "Pre-Separation Counseling Checklist." The form will
help you consider your abilities and options after you complete
your service.

Next you will attend a series of employment and benefits workshops
offered by the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Veterans
Administration (VA). The workshops teach job search skills, like
resume writing, and explain the benefits of your service that
continue even after you leave the military. If you are a disabled
veteran, you will also enroll in the VA's Disabled Transition
Assistance Program.

The best place to start the transition process is with a counselor
on your base. For more on the TAP, check out the links below.

Other Transition Resources

Once you complete your service commitment, you are eligible for
Montgomery GI Bill education benefits and can continue to serve in
the Reserve or National Guard. As a veteran, you receive many
special benefits for your service. There are also programs to help
service members transition into specific careers.

Description

Overview

Some of the most lasting rewards for serving in the armed forces
come after you complete your service. From health care to home
loans, there are several very significant benefits offered to
veterans.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is responsible for making
sure veterans receive the benefits and care they have earned. There
are dozens of programs, many focused on specific groups. Programs
are offered by the VA, other government agencies, and non-profit
organizations. The main programs are listed below.

Health Care

Veterans can enroll in the VA health care system and receive care at
reasonable rates. The VA also takes care of any injuries or
disabilities that occurred while in the armed forces for free, for
the entire life of the veteran.

Education

For many veterans, the Montgomery GI Bill is the most significant
benefit for their service. Depending on how many years served,
veterans are eligible for up to 36 months of education payments.
The GI Bill can pay for college or technical school, apprenticeship,
certification, and on-the-job training. Some veterans may also be
eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation, which combines education
with an employment goal.

Employment & Training

The VA offers a range of programs to help unemployed veterans receive
training to help them find a civilian job. Many new programs were
added or extended by the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) to Hire
Heroes Act of 2011.

Disabled veterans may be eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation and
Employment through the VA. This program helps veterans identify work
they can perform despite their injuries and the education needed.
It then pays for their education and helps them find employment.
The VOW Act of 2011 adds up to 1 year of additional training funds
for veterans who complete a Voc Rehab program, but are unable to
find work afterwards.

The VA also offers incentive payments for employers to hire and train
veterans in Voc Rehab programs. Veterans must qualify and apply for
Voc Rehab before being hired. The VA will reimburse employers up to
half the veterans' annual salaries for 6 months or longer.

The VOW Act of 2011 also created the Veterans Retraining Assistance
Program (VRAP) for unemployed veterans who are not eligible for the
Montgomery GI Bill, Voc Rehab, or any other VA education benefit
programs. The program offers up to 12 months of payments for
training. The training must be offered by a community college or
technical school, lead to an associate degree or certificate, and
lead to a high-demand occupation.

Guaranteed Home Loan

VA helps Servicemembers, Veterans, and eligible surviving spouses
become homeowners. As part of our mission to serve you, we provide
a home loan guaranty benefit and other housing-related programs to
help you buy, build, repair, retain, or adapt a home for your own
personal occupancy.

Veterans Group Life Insurance (VGLI)

Veterans can choose to convert their Servicemembers Group Life
Insurance (SGLI) into VGLI after they leave the service. This can
be especially beneficial for veterans who have health issues, and
would have to pay steep premiums on civilian life insurance.

Information for Parents

Overview

Parents play an important role in their child's decision about joining the
military. As with any career choice, students need to understand what the
commitment means and how it will affect their long-term options.

Recruiting videos for combat positions may look exciting, but students
considering the military should realize that is only one type of job available
to them. The military offers many significant jobs that will provide students
with lasting skills whether they continue in the military or return into the
civilian work force or college. Parents can help students explore many of the
different opportunities the military has to offer.

Helping Your Child Decide

Overview

Parents sometimes have strong emotional reactions when their children consider
joining the military. Some parents may consider it their children's patriotic
duty and push them to enlist. Others may have objections to U.S. foreign policy
or armed service of any kind.

No matter how you feel, there are many ways to help your children think about
military service.

Here are a few:

Ask about your children's interests and discuss how the military matches up
with those interests.

Learn about the military yourself. Talk with recruiters and see what
promises can actually be put in an enlistment contract.

Ask your children to discuss their reasons for joining and how military
service will help them achieve long-term goals.

Help your children understand that the contract will affect the next 8
years of their lives and may change them as a person.

Support your children if they are feeling pressured by friends, recruiters,
or other family members.

Help your children understand that they can make this decision on their own
timeline, and don't have to rush into it. Remind them that the recruiting
office isn't going anywhere.

Before enlisting, be sure they explore deferment options that allow them to
graduate high school or complete any other obligations they may have.

Recruiting

Overview

High schools that accept federal money under the Elementary and Secondary
Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) are required by Section 9528 of the law to allow
recruiters the same access to students as they give to colleges, universities,
and potential employers. Schools are also required by ESEA to provide students'
names, addresses, and telephone listings to military recruiters upon request.
The exact requirements of this legislation were amended in 2001 under the No
Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB).

To learn more about the laws that allow recruiters to access your child's
information, visit the U.S. Department of Education's policy website:

Parents can opt out of allowing their children's information to be released by
submitting a written request to their school superintendent. This only affects
release of information by the school. It will not prevent recruiters from
talking directly to their children at the school.

To prevent your children's schools from releasing information to recruiters, ask
schools for their forms. You can also use the forms at Leave My Child Alone:

If your children decide to meet with recruiters, it's important that you
accompany them. Listen, take notes, and feel free to ask questions. To learn
more about the role of recruiters in the decision-making process, as well as
tips on how your children can best interact with them if they are interested in
the armed forces.

Selective Service System

Overview

Males are required by law to register with the Selective Service System (SSS)
when they turn 18. The SSS is the government agency responsible for the draft
if it is reinstituted. Nearly all males between the ages of 18 and 25 must
register, including most non-citizens. Women do not register.

If Your Child Joins

Overview

Once the enlistment papers are signed, they have made a contract with the
military and there is virtually no turning back. Review the enlistment papers
with them to be sure everything promised by the recruiter is included.

If your children decide to enlist, they may be required to leave for basic
training in a matter of a few days. Be sure they explore deferment options that
allow them to graduate high school or complete any other obligations they may have.

If your children decide to earn a commission to become an officer, they will
attend college or a military academy. In the summers, they will experience the
officer's equivalent of basic training.

Basic Training

Overview

Depending on deferment options, most students may leave for basic training in a
matter of a few days. Your children will have very little direct contact with
you during basic training. They may be allowed a phone call to let you or
someone else know they arrived safely. After that, they will be allowed one
phone call per week for the first few weeks. Later on they may be allowed to
have more contact, depending on the branch of service and job they choose.

Because of this limited direct contact, mail is important to them. You probably
won't be able to send care packages, but you can write to them. There may be
specific guidelines about correspondence, such as how letters are addressed
and writing in certain colors of ink.

For many people, completing basic training is one of the proudest moments of
their life. They will have a graduation ceremony at the conclusion of their
training, and family members are encouraged to attend.

Active Duty

Overview

Whether service members go straight into active duty service or are Reservists,
they will likely spend some time on active duty.

Depending on where they serve, letters or email may be the best way to keep in
touch with them. You may also be able to visit them overseas. They will get
regular leaves, much like any other job, although they may be limited as to when
they can take leave and where they can go.

Once their active duty service is complete, they may have a Reserve commitment.
They will be able to live where they choose, start a civilian career, or go to
school. They may have an obligation to train one weekend per month with a unit
near their home. Until their reserve commitment is complete, they may be called
up at any time to serve on active duty, including deployment into combat.

Deployment

Overview

The frequency and length of your children's deployments will vary depending on
their branch of service, job, and reserve status. Since September 11th, 2001,
most members of the armed forces have experienced at least one deployment
during their period of service, if not multiple deployments.

Not all deployments are to combat zones, but many are. Other deployments include
peacekeeping operations in the Balkans and Middle East, training missions to
foreign countries, and humanitarian relief during natural disasters.

Most deployments last for at least 6 months, and may last for up to 18 months.
Service members are usually able to spend at least 2 weeks on leave during each
deployment.

After a deployment, if your children have time remaining on their contracts,
they will return to the active duty or reserve status they had before deploying.
If their contract expires while they are deployed, they may be required to
finish their deployment or may return to the U.S. to out-process from the
military.

For more information on how you can assist your child while they are deployed,
visit:

Minorities

Description

The military has been a national leader in breaking down barriers
for minorities.

Overview

All opportunities are open to people of all races and ethnicities
in the military.

The U.S. Army created the first integrated unit in 1955 during the
Korean War, the same year the civil rights movement began in the
U.S. Other branches of the military soon followed suit. The 1964
Civil Rights Amendment guaranteed once and for all that service
members could enlist and be promoted without having their race
considered.

Since that time, people of many races and ethnicities have reached
high levels of command and leadership in the armed forces. From
commanding entire branches of the military to Chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff—the highest position in the military—race is no
longer a barrier to service members.

Language Opportunities

The military needs fluent speakers of every language. This opens up
opportunities for military personnel who are native speakers of
languages other than English.

Opportunities include:

Interpreter and translator positions

Language proficiency bonus pay

ESL classes after enlistment

U.S. Army Foreign Language Recruiting Initiative (FLRI): a
program to recruit native Spanish speakers with added signing
bonuses and schooling

These opportunities are usually only offered to U.S. citizens. For
more information, talk to a recruiter or visit:

Women

Description

Opportunities for women to serve have increased greatly. Nearly all
jobs are now open to women.

Overview

Before 1967, only 2% of military personnel were women. In 1973, a
new law required the military to decide enlistments and promotions
without considering gender. This gave more opportunities to women
and allowed the military to reach more recruits. Today, women make
up more than 14% of the military.

Warfare has changed, and as a result the military has opened many
opportunities to women. Many women serve in combat zones in
non-combat positions, such as radio operators or medics. Women also
serve in a few combat positions, such as military police. They are
expected to live and work in the same conditions as males. Women
service members have been injured, killed, and earned military
decorations for their service in combat.

The military is still male-dominated. Some women have found
themselves to be the only female on rudimentary bases. Sexual
assault is a very real risk for any woman serving in the military.
In 2009, women service members were more likely to be raped by male
service members than to be killed in action. The military has
severe penalties for such crimes, but there is still a long way
to go.

Jobs Open to Women

Women have access to more than 90% of all jobs in the military.
Submarine duty and non-combat positions in Special Operations were
recently opened to women. Only close ground combat positions are
still closed to women.

Because some services have more combat occupations than others, the
range of opportunities for women varies from service to service.
All positions in the Coast Guard are open to women. They can serve
in about 66% of all Army occupations, about 88% of all Navy
occupations, about 99% of all Air Force occupations, and about 68%
of Marine Corps occupations.

About half of all women in the military work in health care or
administration. The number of women working in combat and mechanical
positions is slowly increasing.

Benefits

Women receive the same benefits as men, plus they are eligible for
6 weeks of maternity leave. After having a baby, a woman can
transfer from active to reserve duty if she wants to.

Women in the Military

Women in the Military

Women in the Military

Women in the Military

Coast Guard

Source: Uniformed Services Almanac, 2010

Religion

Overview

The military trains chaplains of nearly every religion. Ministers, imams,
priests, and rabbis serve side-by-side.

The armed forces have their own chaplains. Ministers, imams, priests, and rabbis
train and serve side-by-side. They care for service members spiritually within
their chosen faiths. They must also respect the faiths of other service members.
Chaplains are officers and may be active duty, Reserve, or National Guard. They
must be officially recognized as religious leaders within their faiths. They do
not carry weapons.

Chaplains have enlisted assistants. They are specially trained to help chaplains
conduct religious services, comfort service members, and handle administrative
tasks. Chaplain assistants go through basic training and are trained to protect
their assigned chaplains.

For more information on becoming a chaplain or chaplain assistant, talk with a
recruiter or visit:

Non-Citizens

Description

Fast-track to becoming a citizen through service in the U.S. military.

Overview

About 8,000 people with legal permanent residency, also called Green
Cards, enlist in the military each year. Since Sept. 11, 2001,
thousands of immigrants have become citizens while serving in the
military.

To enlist in the military as a non-citizen, you must have legal
permanent residency (a Green Card, INS Form I-151/551). An exception
to this rule is sometimes available through the Military Accessions
Vital to Nation Interest (MAVNI) program. It allows legal aliens
without a Green Card to join the military.

The military looks for immigrants with specific health care,
language, and cultural skills. Health care professionals must
enlist for 3 years of active service or 6 years of reserve service.
Language specialists must enlist for 4 years of active service.

Once accepted, you are eligible to apply for citizenship the day
after you take your oath. Only a limited number of non-citizens have
been allowed to enlist through this program.

Military Citizenship Application

Exact requirements will depend on whether you serve during peace or
war. All current and former service members who served honorably in
the military for at least 1 year and obtained legal permanent
residency (a Green Card) are eligible. However, you must apply
while still in the service or within 6 months of leaving.

Service members who serve during war may be eligible for "wartime
naturalization." Any period of active duty service during certain
conflicts counts if you are honorably discharged. You are not
required to have legal permanent residency (a Green Card) to apply
for citizenship in this case. Currently, any service since
September 11, 2001 is considered wartime service.

Serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard,
some components of the National Guard and the Selected Reserve

Serve in the U.S. or at qualifying duty stations across the globe

Meet key citizenship requirements, such as good moral character

Some requirements are waived, including the application fee and
proof of physical presence in the U.S.

To apply for citizenship, fill out the N-400 and N-426 applications.
For help, call 1.877.CIS.4MIL or visit the U.S. Citizenship and
Immigration Services website:

Spouses & Children

Once you are a citizen, you can apply to sponsor legal permanent
residency (Green Cards) for your spouse and children, following the
standard procedure for U.S. citizens sponsoring family members. If
you go through this process while serving in the military, you will
enjoy some additional benefits, such as lower minimum income
requirements. You can also begin the process at your duty station,
instead of having to be in the U.S.

After your spouse has been a legal permanent resident for 3 years,
he or she will also be eligible to apply for citizenship.

Don't Ask, Don't Tell

Overview

The "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) policy prohibited gays and lesbians from
serving openly in the military. If their sexual orientation became known, they
were honorably discharged.

Homosexuality is now officially acceptable in the military. The Department of
Defense, following directions given by Congress, ended the policy on September
20, 2011. Service members can no longer be barred from enlistment or discharged
based on their sexual orientation.

For more information on the repeal of the law and the military's new policies
that affect homosexuals, visit: